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The harm of electronic cigarettes. Video
Electronic cigarettes appeared several years ago and have caused a real boom. According to manufacturers, such devices are absolutely safe and even help to quit smoking. However, doctors do not recommend getting too carried away even with electronic cigarettes.
Electronic cigarette: harm
History of electronic cigarettes
Drawings of the first electronic smoking devices were presented back in the 60s of the last century. However, the first electronic cigarette appeared only in 2003. Its creator is Hon Lik, a Hong Kong pharmacist. He had the best intentions – the inventor’s father died due to prolonged smoking, and Hong Lik devoted his activities to creating “safe” cigarettes that would help to quit the addiction. The first such devices were similar to pipes, but later their shape was improved and became familiar to the smoker of classic cigarettes. Within just a couple of years, a lot of companies appeared, wishing to start producing new items. Now manufacturers offer consumers a wide range of electronic cigarettes – disposable and reusable, of various strengths, flavored and colored. The most popular brands are Gamicci, Joyetech, Pons. The latter brand has become so famous that e-cigarettes are often called “pons”.
The cost of electronic cigarettes – from 600 rubles for a disposable model up to 4000 rubles for an elite cigarette with an original design and gift wrapping
How does an electronic cigarette work
The device consists of a battery, a cartridge with nicotine liquid and a vaporizer. An electronic cigarette works according to the principle of a conventional one – it is activated when you puff, and an indicator on the opposite end lights up, simulating smoldering tobacco. At the same time, the evaporator supplies a special liquid to the heating element – the smoker feels its taste and exhales steam, just like in ordinary smoking. The liquid contains nicotine, glycerin for steam formation, propylene glycol and – sometimes – various essential oils. Manufacturers offer a wide range of liquid flavors – apple, cherry, menthol, coffee, cola, etc. Nicotine concentration can vary, and nicotine-free liquids are available to combat psychological addiction to smoking. E-liquid is sold separately – it usually lasts 600 puffs, which is equal to two packs of regular cigarettes. In order for the vaporizer to work, the cigarette must be charged from the mains, like a conventional electronic device.
Refueling liquid for cigarettes can cause allergies – it contains various chemicals and artificial flavors
Benefits of electronic cigarettes
The manufacturers of these devices highlight many of the benefits of using their products. The main thing is that electronic cigarettes can be smoked indoors – they do not emit the characteristic pungent smoke, do not smolder and cannot cause a fire. The concentration of nicotine in the exhaled vapor is so low that any smell is completely invisible to others. Previously, it was possible to smoke electronic cigarettes even in public places – shopping centers, airplanes, train stations. However, with the tightening of laws, the ban on smoking has extended to electronic devices.
Another highlighted benefit is less health hazard. Liquid for cigarettes contains purified nicotine without harmful impurities – tar, carbon monoxide, ammonia, etc., which are released during normal smoking. Electronic devices are also offered to those who take care of their loved ones – the vapor from such cigarettes is non-toxic, and those around them do not become passive smokers. In addition, manufacturers claim that it is much easier to quit smoking with the help of electronic cigarettes. Often people smoke not because of their physical dependence on nicotine, but for the company, out of boredom or because of the passion for the very process of smoking. Any electronic cigarette can be used with a nicotine-free liquid – the sensations are the same, but at the same time harmful nicotine does not enter the body.
And thirdly, electronic cigarettes are positioned as stylish and economical. They come in a variety of colors and formats, and there are even electronic tubes. One cigarette replaces about 2 packs of conventional tobacco products. Also, when using electronic devices, you do not need to buy ashtrays and lighters.
What doctors say – e-smoking myths
However, according to doctors, the prospects for smoking e-cigarettes are not so bright. Any nicotine, even purified nicotine, is harmful to the body. And with an electronic cigarette that does not smolder or burn, it is very difficult to control the number of puffs. Purified nicotine and the absence of other harmful substances cause less intoxication of the body. A person may feel good, and the level of nicotine in his blood will be very high – there is a high probability of an imperceptible overdose. And if you smoke long enough and want to quit on your own, with the help of a nicotine-free cigarette, your body may feel “withdrawal syndrome” – a sharp deterioration in the state, a kind of “hangover” in the absence of the usual dose of nicotine. Severe cases of nicotine addiction are still recommended to be treated with medical help.
In addition, there have not yet been any large-scale studies examining the effect of electronic cigarettes on the body. The World Health Organization warns that it is not considering the use of e-cigarettes as a treatment for smoking addiction. The experts of the organization are strongly criticizing these devices and refer to the lack of medical information about their action. Also, in one of the studies, carcinogenic substances were found in the cigarettes of some manufacturers.
Thus, the absolute benefits of electronic cigarettes turned out to be another myth, but nevertheless these devices have a number of advantages: absence of smell and smoke, economy and variety of tastes.
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